Chili was something I grew up with, and have always loved. I have over the years, utilized this delicious food as a Halloween tradition, more than any other occasion or holiday. It is a fall favorite for many folks, so why, specifically, Halloween for us?
It initially began as just a pot luck meal I made for a large barbecue one late September, years ago. I combined 3 different recipes into one. I went with certain aspects of my own mother’s recipe and combined certain aspects of my mother-in-law’s recipe, adding my own little twist in the process. The compliments, pot luck (and every time since I have made my chili), have always been amazing. This is one of the meals my chef husband does throw at me (without tips along the way…lol), whenever it is needed for an occasion.
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It became a Halloween tradition, out of convenience and, of course, love for the end result. We have always chaperoned our son with trick-or treating festivities. We would start right at 5pm, with taking him around the neighborhood. About an hour in, I would rush back to the house to hand out candy to the other children. My husband would take over the last part of trick-or-treating with our son, so I could get my own “fix” with the handing out part and seeing all of the different costumes up close for the last hour…lol!
Because my crockpot of chili had been cooking on low all day, we would all meet up back home in 2 hours time, have dinner and BAM! Nice, Festive Holiday concluded!
Side Notes...
I’m not saying this recipe would take the award for best chili in the world, but I am quite pleased every time I make it. It is only mildly heated, so use your own taste buds when it comes to the chili powder and cumin. I prefer a ton of cumin…it has a bit of a smoky flavor to it, without any real heat. The chili powder will provide the heat I want. Anyway, try it…see what you think! Please do let me know in the comments…always looking for feedback 🙂
Follow the ingredients section based on how many people you are cooking for. This is my recipe for a meal (5-6 people with a small amount of left overs for lunch the NEXT DAY!) You will need a larger crockpot for this (at least 6 Qt). If you are working with a small crockpot, just split the ingredients in half.
Ingredients you will need:
40 oz. can kidney beans (dark or light red – I prefer dark)
28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, with jalapenos or chili peppers (or both!)
24 oz jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce (meat flavored)
1.5 – 2lb ground beef
1/2 white onion
1/2 green bell pepper
cumin
red chili powder
salt/pepper
grated parmesan cheese
garlic powder
oregano
basil leaves (optional)
Step By Step Instructions:
1. Dice the pepper and onion.
2. Get a a large pan hot (you should feel a medium-high heat when hovering your hand above the bottom of the pan by about 4 inches).
3. Combine the hamburger, onions, and peppers into the pan
4. Continue cooking the hamburger, onion, and pepper until it is done
5. Strain the meat, onion, pepper mixture with a colander and add to your crockpot.
6. Add the can of diced tomatoes, jar of Ragu, and the kidney beans to the hamburger in the crockpot. (Do NOT strain the beans!)
7. Add your dry ingredients (i.e. grated parmesan cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt & pepper, and basil leaves if you wish)
***Remember, each spice is to be moderately spread over the entire surface of the pot – you can always add more later!
8. Stir the spices in. Cover the crock pot with it’s lid and set the temperature to low. Let it cook for 7-8 hours on low and you will be a happy camper!
(Tip: If you are in a bigger hurry, set the temperature at high for about 2 hours, them turn to low for 3 – 4 hours.)
(Tip: Only lift the lid to stir once every hour or so. It matters. The heat and moisture will escape every time outside air gets in. I know you want to lift that lid, because the aroma is filling the entire house. Don’t Do It! Let the flavors fall in love in their own time)
Of course, I do taste test on the few occasions I do lift the lid throughout the 7-8 hour process. I simply need to know if more of any particular spice is needed as I go 😉
9. Add a touch of parsley, green onion, sour cream, shredded cheese or even more parmesan to make it even better! Have Fun with it and Enjoy!
